Monthly Archives: October 2013

Lombard, IL- The folk music duo Comfort Food (Vicki and Rich Ingle) will team up with the George Mattson Trio for a special evening of music honoring the songs and career of Illinois singer/songwriter John Prine.

“It is our own humble tribute to a hometown guy who we admire, who writes really great songs,” says Vicki Ingle of Comfort Food. The concerts are also being held during Prine’s birthday month.

“Prine was where I learned songwriting, how I wanted my guitar to sound and how to present myself on stage,” says Rich Ingle, of Comfort Food, about the influence John Prine had on him.

“John Prine songs make you feel good – even the sad ones. The songs are about the human condition – we all identify with these songs. Unfortunately, we can’t hear Prine himself perform his own songs very often. So, I hope this show will be the next best thing, adds Vicki. I hope after the concert is over, maybe it will be days or weeks later, they will think about one of John’s songs that touched them and they’ll get the CD down from the shelf and play it.”

The George Mattson Trio; George Mattson (guitar, Banjo, Lead vocals) Mike Hazdra (bass), Tommy Re (fiddle) have been playing John Prine compositions since they have been together (about 8 years) “I’ve been playing his music since the early 70s when I first heard him, “ says George Mattson. “ As a matter of fact, I began playing folk/acoustic music in the 70s mainly inspired by John Prine, Steve Goodman and the Chicago folk scene (“Sour Grapes” was the first Prine song that I taught myself back then). So it really was an honor for Vicki Ingle to ask us if we could join forces and present an evening of John Prine songs. I’m very excited about the upcoming shows and I’m hopeful that this can become an annual October tradition.”

John Prine, born October 10, 1946 in Maywood, Illinois is an American country/folk singer-songwriter. He has been active as a recording artist and live performer since the early 1970s. Prine’s musical contributions have been honored by many awards throughout his career.